The women of Italy's 'Rubygate'

Silvio Berlusconi's underage prostitution charges have taken on a life of their own

Photo: Aptn/Associated Press

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Former Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi's 2010 relationship with Moroccan Karima El Mahroug, nicknamed Ruby Rubacuori (Italian for Heart Stealer),' has led to a conviction on prostitution charges for the Italian leader. less

Former Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi's 2010 relationship with Moroccan Karima El Mahroug, nicknamed Ruby Rubacuori (Italian for Heart Stealer),' has led to a conviction on prostitution charges for ... more

Earlier this year, El Mahroug protested in front of the Palace of Justice in Milan after judges in Silvio Berlusconi's sex trial upheld a defense request for El Mahroug not to provide testimony in the trial.

Earlier this year, El Mahroug protested in front of the Palace of Justice in Milan after judges in Silvio Berlusconi's sex trial upheld a defense request for El Mahroug not to provide testimony in the trial.

Photo: Pier Marco Tacca, Getty Images

Earlier this year, El Mahroug protested in front of the Palace of... Photo-4660082.62874 - Times Union

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El Mahroug was 17 when she met Silvio Berlusconi, though she denies ever having sex with him.

El Mahroug was 17 when she met Silvio Berlusconi, though she denies ever having sex with him.

Photo: Associated Press

El Mahroug was 17 when she met Silvio Berlusconi, though she denies... Photo-4646017.62874 - Times Union

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Despite her legal troubles, El Marough she has become an international celebrity in the wake of the scandal, definitely not shying away from the cameras.

Despite her legal troubles, El Marough she has become an international celebrity in the wake of the scandal, definitely not shying away from the cameras.

Photo: Massimo Di Nonno, Getty Images

Despite her legal troubles, El Marough she has become an... Photo-4660074.62874 - Times Union

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Here, El Mahroug attends the traditional Vienna Opera Ball at the state opera in 2011.

Here, El Mahroug attends the traditional Vienna Opera Ball at the state opera in 2011.